Category: Blog

Get ready for the U.S. Grand Prix with some trivia!

Noted adventure seeker and prolific writer Ernest Hemingway once said, “There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.” Formula 1 racing is indeed in a league of its own in terms of prestige and broad international appeal.

To help you learn more about this thrilling sport and get you excited for the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix, here are some fun facts about Formula 1 racing!

1. Why formula?
2. Quick pit stop
3. Short engine life
4. Total cost
5. No more refueling
6. Hard helmets
7. Fastest recorded top speed
8. America’s circuit

Keep reading to learn more about these fun facts about Formula 1 racing and the U.S. Grand Prix taking place on Oct. 23!

Why formula?

The “formula” in Formula 1 racing refers to the set rules that all cars and participants must follow, and the “1” refers to the highest classification in the formula racing tournaments. An F2 and F3 race series also exist, which follow a different formula (or set) or rules and often serve as a feeder series into F1.

Quick pit stop

While the race provides real excitement, the pit stops during a Grand Prix race can be just as exciting. Pit stops typically last just a few seconds, and the length of the pit stop often determines the winner of the race. The fastest pit stop in Formula 1 racing history was driver Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing team’s 1.82-second pit stop at the 2014 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Short engine life

Despite costing around $18 million, the engines in Formula 1 race cars only last for five or six races due to the enormous strain and rigid use during each race.

Total cost

You read that right, $18 million for just the engine of a Formula 1 car! While that is by far the most expensive component, the total cost of a Formula 1 race car is around $20 million — including $700,000 for the chassis, $350,000 for the gearbox, and $170,000 for the hydraulics.

No more refueling

A rule instituted in 2010 banned refueling during pit stops due to the danger posed to pit crews. As such, cars must be loaded with enough fuel — up to 110 liters — to complete the race.

Hard helmets

Because of the speeds at which the cars race and the inherent dangers of the sport, the helmets worn in Formula 1 races must be extremely tough. Carbon fiber is the primary material of most helmets. Each helmet must go through a series of compulsory tests mandated by the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobil (FIA), to ensure its safety and durability.

Fastest recorded top speed

The highest top speed recorded at a Formula 1 event was 372.5 km/h (231.4 mph) by Valtteri Bottas at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix.

America’s circuit

The U.S. Grand Prix has been held every year since 2012 (with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19) at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. It’s just one of five circuits in the world to run counterclockwise and can welcome more than 400,000 fans throughout the three-day race weekend.

Missing out on this year’s U.S. Grand Prix or want to experience these fun facts about Formula 1 racing in person? Be sure to book your spot early for next year! Superior Executive Services is proud to offer several exciting U.S. Grand Prix travel packages in 2023 — contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message online to learn more.

After the craziness of the summer, fall is a terrific — and underrated — time to book a luxury vacation this fall. Often, we spend all summer running around at various activities and family obligations, and we can easily forget to relax.

If you’re looking to book a much-needed getaway in the upcoming season, here are some helpful tips on how to plan a luxury vacation this fall.

Book early

There’s a great deal of pent-up demand for travel, with nearly all COVID travel restrictions having been lifted. Even if you’re traveling in the off-season or over a holiday that’s not as big for travel, it’s still a good idea to book a few months in advance to secure the best lodging, restaurant reservations, and activities. Booking early also means you’ll have plenty of time to research and get familiar with your destination. 

Look off the beaten path 

Think beyond some of the typical end-of-summer/early fall destinations to avoid crowds. For example, while Arizona is scorching during the summer months, by October, the temperature averages in the low 80s, perfect for lounging by the pool, playing a round of golf, and taking a scenic hike. 

Towns like Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Park City might be most well-known as winter destinations for skiing, but there’s plenty to do in the off-season with high-end restaurants and shopping as well as world-class resorts and spas.

New York City is one of the rare locales that is a delight no matter what time of year you visit — take a stroll and watch the leaves changing color in Central Park before taking in a Broadway show and dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

If you’re willing to rent a car, there are some fantastic destinations along the southern coast of Georgia and South Carolina (Sea Island, Savannah, Charleston, and Hilton Head Island, to name just a few).

If you need some more fall vacation destination ideas, check out this blog post from our team!

Work with an expert

If you’re visiting a new spot (or even somewhere you’ve been before), it can cost you valuable time not to consult the experts. At Superior Executive Services, our team has nearly 45 years of combined experience in the travel and hospitality industries. We know exactly how to plan a luxury vacation and can guide you through each step of the planning process. Our connections can also help you gain access to in-demand events and experiences.

Let the experts at Superior Executive Services help you plan an amazing trip this fall! Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message online to get started.

Create your dream vacation and we’ll recommend a Superior package to bring it to life!

Mark your calendars for these can’t-miss golf events.

Next year may seem a long way off, but it’s really just a “chip shot” away if you’re planning to attend a major golf tournament. Here are some of the golf events we’re looking forward to in the upcoming year.

Of course, if you’re interested in attending any of these 2023 golf events, we can help you get there in Superior style — check out our full lineup of golf event travel packages here.

Waste Management Open

Looking to add some excitement to your winter? It doesn’t get much better than February in Phoenix, especially when you add in the Waste Management Open — commonly referred to as “the greatest show on grass.”

In 2020, more than 700,000 visitors attended the Waste Management Open, making it the most-attended golf tournament in the world. Superior offers a variety of ticket packages, including access to the Skybox on the course’s 16th hole and the Bay Club overlooking the 17th fairway and green. Contact our team for more details and to see which exclusive 2023 Waste Management Open travel packages we have available.

PGA Championship

The idea for a golfer’s championship was formed when, in January 1916, 35 professional golfers met to discuss the idea of starting what would ultimately become the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). The first PGA Championship was held in October of that year at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. The famed Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, NY will host the PGA Championship in 2023. This event is the premier opportunity to watch the tour’s best players, like Justin Thomas, Will Zalatoris, and Rory McIlroy hit the links.

Our 2023 PGA Championship travel packages get you up close to the action with premium seating, luxury accommodations, all-inclusive food and beverages, and more.

The Players Championship

The Players Championship is one of the most coveted titles on the PGA Tour. The championship’s home course, TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course, also includes “The Most Famous Hole in Golf,” No. 17.

If you want to experience pro golf’s finest take on this challenging course in person next March, Superior can get you there with our 2023 Players Championship travel packages, including event tickets, five-star hospitality in the #17 Island Suite, private transportation, and more. This is one of the must-see 2023 golf events for any golf enthusiast.

Masters 

There are few items more recognizable in the golf world than the iconic Masters Green — also known as brilliant rye — blazer. Given to the winner of this esteemed event, the Masters blazer has become a symbol of the tournament’s many storied traditions. The Masters is held each year at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Some notable club members include Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and Condoleeza Rice, who was among the club’s first female members.

The Superior Masters experience pulls out all of the stops with access to our exclusive Club Magnolia, premium tickets, and accommodations at luxury private houses in Augusta. Request information about our 2023 Masters travel packages here!

Superior Executive Series plans the best luxury golf travel trips by par! Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message online to start planning your 2023 golf travel experience.

Learn about the history of the Concours d’Elegance in this post!

Pebble Beach might be most well-known for its idyllic beaches and world-class golfing, but the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is, as its name suggests, among the most elegant celebrations of fine automobiles in the world.

Each summer, the well-heeled — and the “well-wheeled” — gather in Pebble Beach to view vintage automobiles that have been lovingly and extensively restored by their owners in the hopes of taking home a trophy.

If you’re curious about the history of the Concours d’Elegance and would like to learn more, we’ve got you covered! Here are some facts to get you excited for this most stylish and sophisticated event, which takes place on August 21, 2022!

1. Last minute addition
2. On the green
3. A variety of awards
4. International showing
5. Green ribbons
6. Oldie but a goodie

Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Concours d’Elegance and how you can snag Pebble Beach Concours tickets of your own.

Last minute addition

The Concours d’Elegance, which means “competition of elegance” in French, was actually a late addition to the Pebble Beach Road Races in 1950. The events were held in tandem until the death of early hot rod racer Ernie McAfree in 1956.

On the green

The Concours d’Elegance is held on the 18th green of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links course, and the Sunday that the event is held is the only day each year that the course is closed to golfers.

A variety of awards

It seems only fitting that this event has an entire section of awards dedicated to elegance, including Most Elegant Convertible and Most Elegant Sports Car. Other awards at the Concours d’Elegance include the French Cup, awarded to a car of French origin, and the Gran Turismo, which is awarded to the overall most exemplary vehicle.

International showing

While most winners of the Best in Show award have been made by foreign manufacturers, American-made cars hold the distinction of most victories by a single country at 17. France is a close second with 16 wins, followed by the United Kingdom with 14 and Germany with 10.

Green ribbons

If you’re fortunate enough to attend the Concours d’Elegance with Superior, you may notice many entrants sporting large green ribbons. These ribbons indicate that the vehicle participated in the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, a 70-mile drive around the picturesque Monterey Peninsula.

The tour portion of the event was added in 1998 after some believed the cars entered in the contest were not driven often enough. According to the event’s organizers, the tour is meant to affirm an important fact — “automobiles are not merely objects of beauty; they are designed to transport people from one place to another.”

Oldie but a goodie 

The oldest car to win Best in Show was in 1962 when a 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost took home the top prize.

Want to experience this time-honored celebration of one-of-a-kind automobiles in person next year?

Let the experts at Superior Executive Services help you plan an unforgettable trip complete with Pebble Beach Concours tickets and world-class accommodations. Contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message to start planning your 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance travel package!

Even if your own golf game isn’t exactly “up to par,” there’s nothing quite like watching the pros at one of the terrific golf events around the country. Unsurprisingly, our luxury golf travel packages are some of our most popular events!

If you’re considering taking a trip to experience one of these thrilling tournaments for yourself, we’re answering some frequently asked questions about our luxury golf travel packages to make planning a breeze.

Q: Where will I stay during the trip?

A: Depending on the size of your group and your preferences, you can stay at a hotel or a rental home that fits your needs. There are benefits to both options, and we can discuss the pros and cons of each as we get to planning. As with most aspects of your trip, Superior Executive Services can customize just about anything to your liking!

Q: How will I get to and from the tournament?

A: While we’re happy to arrange a rental car for your group, we highly recommend utilizing a driver during your trip and try to include them in our luxury golf travel packages whenever possible. Your dedicated driver will pick you up from your accommodations, take you to the course, and drive you back at the end of the day. Having a driver eliminates the headache of parking, directions, and driving in an unfamiliar area — just another way you’re able to kick back and relax.

Q: What about golfing on my own as part of the trip?

A: We can “swing” that! If watching the pros has inspired you to work on your own short game, we can absolutely add a round of golf (or two!) at a nearby golf course during your visit. Just tell us your preferred tee time and what kind of golf course you’re looking to play, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Q: What kind of access will I have at the tournament?

A: You’ll typically have as close to full access as we can manage! With most of our golf packages, you’ll have access to luxury hospitality suites where you and your group can enjoy top-tier catered food, grab a beverage, and relax. These suites often include course passes that get you closer to the action than the regular tickets sold to the public.

Q: Can I bring a group from my company?

A: Yes! Our luxury golf travel packages make the perfect corporate excursion with key clients, sales prospects, and colleagues. If you’re interested in booking a package for a larger group from your organization, contact our team today.

Superior Executive Series plans the best luxury golf travel trips by “par!” Contact us today at (608) 665-9070, or send us a message online to start planning your dream luxury golf travel getaway!

Nothing says summer quite like live music outdoors! Music festivals are an essential part of summer, but it may have been a few years since you last attended one.

If that’s the case, or you’re a first-time attendee looking for some guidance on what to pack to have a great experience, we’ve got you covered!

Here are our tips on what to pack for a music festival to ensure you have an incredible time:

Small bag

A small bag that you can easily wear and carry will be a lifesaver to hold all of your essentials — phone, wallet (cash, credit cards), sunscreen, sunglasses, and festival passes, to name just a few. Ideally, you’ll want a bag that zips or has some closure to secure your belongings as well.

Check with your festival’s security regulations before buying a bag, as they might require clear bags for entry!

Comfortable shoes

While you might be tempted to wear ultra-trendy platforms or a brand new pair of strappy sandals, comfort is the name of the game at a summer music festival. This doesn’t mean you can’t show off your personal style at the same time, though! We just recommend breaking in your shoes ahead of the big day to make sure your feet are ready for lots of walking and, of course, dancing.

Rain gear

Check the forecast leading up to the music festival and if there’s even a chance of rain, plan to bring a small umbrella or a raincoat or poncho that’s easy to fold. Hope for sunshine, but better to be safe than sorry when determining what to pack for a music festival!

Sunscreen

 On that same note, it’s important to keep yourself protected when the sun is out as well! Bring along plenty of sunscreen and plan on reapplying it regularly. Better yet, add a fun hat and sunglasses to your outfit to add some extra protection from the sun’s rays!

Extra layers

Summer weather can sometimes be a fickle friend. It may be 80 degrees and sunny in the afternoon, but when the sun sets, there can be a chill in the air. Bring a light sweater or jacket so you’re not shivering through the evening performances.

Snacks

Food at music festivals is notoriously pricey, and long lines could mean you’re waiting 45 minutes for soggy nachos and end up missing your favorite act. Many festivals will allow sealed food to be brought into the venue but check with the concert organizers first. If you can carry in your own food, get small, high-protein snacks like granola bars and trail mix that will fuel you for hours of rockin’ out!

Cell phone

Hard to imagine forgetting this vital piece of technology that’s become a lifeline for just about every person on this planet, but it’s worth mentioning. In addition to snapping pictures and keeping in touch with your fellow festival-goers, you may be using your phone to store your tickets and for payment throughout the festival. If possible, bring a portable phone charger as well. This might be the most important thing to pack for a music festival experience!

Your energy

Now, this isn’t exactly something you can pack, but you’ll want to make sure you’re plenty well-rested and hydrated before the festival so you can have an truly unforgettable and fun experience!

Get ready by taking a look at our other music blogs here, or check out some of our music festival travel packages here!

Let the experts at Superior Executive Services help you plan an amazing music festival experience for festivals like Lollapalooza, Stagecoach, and CMA Fest. Contact us today at (608) 665-9070, or send us a message online to get started!

Upgrade your food travel adventures with the luxury only Superior can offer.

Learn the reasons why we love including private home rentals in our event travel packages.